Although all workloads can be “too much”, working with people carries particular risks. Compassion relies upon empathetic connection to others, which makes helpers vulnerable to experiencing the load others are carrying. If those being helped have experienced conditions inducing trauma, helpers also may reel from vicarious exposure to horror or helplessness, and find their personal worldviews challenged. Furthermore, carer vulnerabilities may be increased by personal schemas or workplace safety or systemic demands. In particular, Christian workers often are highly motivated and willing to self-sacrifice in following Christ and serving others. Engaging in multiple and frequent self-care strategies has been shown to result in a higher professional quality of life and be protective against the negative effects of caring for the vulnerable.

Workshop Outline:

This workshop is divided into three sessions to help you care for the self and be resilient through aligning your care with Christ, analysing your current wellbeing and implementing work-life balance.

In the first session you will gain an understanding of the theological orientation to Christian service in union with Christ, identifying spiritual and psychological barriers to this service and systemic supports of Christ-centred service in the community and workplace.

In the second session you will analyse your own state of wellbeing. We will define the terms of Burnout, Compassion Fatigue & Vicarious Trauma, identify their risk factors, and provide you with the opportunity to assess yourself for these conditions. You will learn about emotional life traps (schemas) and how organisational issues can both help or hinder our safety and systems.

In the third session you will create personal strategies to implement a healthy work-life balance. You will be provided with practices to build and maintain physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing and how to prevent problems. You will learn about time-management and the importance of sabbath keeping, how to clarify your role and how to create and maintain healthy boundaries and supports. 

Transformational Skills

• Learn how to shift your perspective on work from “for Christ” to “in Christ”
• Identify personal vulnerabilities and the risks of load or context
• Identify strategies to boost well-being and reduce risks or to recover